Decoding resveratrol – decoding good health

Yet again, resveratrol has emerged as the savior for cardiovascular health and stroke prevention. And a University of Missouri researcher has also discovered that the compound can make prostate tumor cells more susceptible to radiation treatment, increasing the chances of a full recovery from all types of prostate cancer, including aggressive tumors.

So what exactly is resveratrol? It’s a popular plant extract and a compound produced naturally by several plants when under attack by pathogens such as bacteria or fungi. It has properties that can prolong life in yeast and lower animals due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Found in red wine, grapes, blueberries, peanuts and other plants and produced by chemical synthesis derived primarily from Japanese knotweed, it is sold as a nutritional supplement in many parts of the world.Benefits of Resveratrol

Cardiovascular health: Resveratrol inhibits platelet aggregation (i.e., the clumping together of blood platelets that can lead to formation of blood clots and subsequent blockages in blood vessels resulting in insufficient blood flow, heart attack or stroke). It also promotes increased blood flow by enhancing the production of a naturally occurring substance in the body called nitric oxide, hence decreasing the risk of thrombosis (clot formation) and atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries).

Antioxidant properties: Free radicals are formed due to age, lifestyle diseases, stress or exercise. Resveratrol scavenges on the free radicals directly. Test tube research has shown that resveratrol prevents the oxidation of LDL particles (the bad cholesterol). Anti-inflammatory: Our bodies manufacture cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, which perform various functions. One such function, inflammation, is necessary as a normal, healthy attempt by the body to heal itself. However, when inflammation gets out of control (such as in the case of arthritis, or other chronic inflammatory disorders), resveratrol inhibits COX enzymes, as well as other inflammatory substances. Some evidence suggests that resveratrol is more potent anti-inflammatory than NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or indomethacin. It also reduces cartilage destruction.

Anti-cancer effects: Long-term inhibition of COX significantly reduces the risk of developing many cancers. In test-tube research, resveratrol has been found to inhibit the proliferation of various human cancer cell lines, including those from breast, prostate, stomach, colon, pancreatic and thyroid cancers. This is due to a combination of inhibition of COX and angiogenesis (the growth of new blood vessels). For tumors to grow, angiogenesis must take place so that blood vessels can develop in order to feed the tumor.

Antiviral activity: Resveratrol was found to block the influenza virus from transporting certain proteins, thereby restricting the ability of the virus to replicate. It also suppressed the activation of herpes simplex virus proteins, and reduced the production of viral DNA.

Anti-aging: Resveratrol increases the production of SIRT gene, found in humans and other mammals that helps promote survival by protecting cells during times when food (and therefore energy) is scarce. SIRT acts as a “rescue gene,” repairing the damage done by free radicals and preventing cells from dying prematurely.

Weight loss potential: Obesity is biologically characterized at the cellular level by an increase in the number and size of adipocytes (fat cells) that develop from pre-adipocytes in adipose tissue. Resveratrol has been shown to inhibit pre-adipocytes, which may translate into reducing the production of new fat cells. Now you know why French women are slim despite the cheeses they eat?

The Right Dosage

A certain amount of resveratrol can be consumed in the diet. The richest sources of it are as follows:

A 150 glass of red wine provides about 0.30-1.07 mg of resveratrol. 2 glasses of red wine are good to keep diseases at bay and cabernet sauvignon grapes have more resveratrol than other red wine grapes

The Japanese knotweed is one of the highest sources – it is sold as 40 mg tablets of resveratrol in Japan

A cup of peanuts (raw) provides about 0.01-0.26 mg of resveratrol

A cup of red grapes provides about 0.24-1.25 mg of resveratrol

Other sources include pomegranate, blueberries, mulberries, cranberries and pines

DISCLAIMER : Views expressed above are the author's own.

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Author

Rachna Chhachhi is a Nutritional Therapist, specialising in curing chronic lifestyle diseases without medication.
Though Rachna started out as a writer she changed her profession when she herself contracted an immune disorder, Rheumatoid Arthritis, which inflicts 1% of the population and can debilitate joints. She went through conventional medical treatment till the side effects began spoiling her health, after which she signed up for a two year Nutritional Therapy course at Oxford College, UK. Post that she cured herself and has cured hundreds of people suffering where medical science offers no treatment except to suppress the disease. Rachna helps patients go to the cause and root the disease out.Follow her on twitter as @rollmyeyes

Rachna Chhachhi is a Nutritional Therapist, specialising in curing chronic lifestyle diseases without medication.
Though Rachna started out as a writer sh. . .